Since its inception in New York City, United States, on 17 November 1875, by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Colonel Henry Steel Olcott, William Quan Judge; the Theosophical Society has been active worldwide. It is part of a theosophical community around the world and there are many National Sections, each with local branches. The Society’s International Headquarters is at Adyar, Chennai, India.

The Theosophical Society was seen as revolutionary when it was founded in 1875, having at its foundation an aspiration for universal brotherhood. It is a non-sectarian organisation which welcomes people of all ages and gender, from all cultures, all social backgrounds, from all religions or none. It promotes an understanding of the Great Esoteric Truths which lie behind all religions and spirituality.

Members of the Society are spiritual seekers, united by their search for Truth and by their determination to promote brotherhood between all peoples – of all faiths or of none. The Society draws together those of goodwill whatever their nationality or opinions. The Society does not impose any dogma on its members who are free to hold their own beliefs, religious or otherwise. Membership is open to all (from the age of 10) who are in sympathy with its three Objects:

To form a nucleus of the Universal Brotherhood of humanity without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour.

To encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science.

To investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in man.

Joining the Theosophical Society is more than just becoming a member of an organization; it is an opportunity to help bring spiritual light into the world, through self-growth and group work; and joining with the nucleus of universal brotherhood that has been established by members throughout the world. A genuine commitment to brotherhood, which is the first object of the Society, is the mark of a truly spiritual person.

Theosophy stands for knowledge of truth and the Society exists for those who are interested in seeking Truth. Its motto is “There is no Religion Higher than Truth”. Through an understanding of Theosophy and by exploring the deeps of our own nature we are able to reach an experience of Truth which is the seat of all spiritual knowledge.

Mankind has many powers which are not yet understood. Theosophy offers knowledge of why and how things like precognition and telepathy exist. Science does not yet understand how they operate so to the outer world these remain unexplained. The Society advocates the benefits of meditation and spiritual self-development rather than psychic development or any desire for personal power.

As Mahatma Koot Hoomi tells us “Theosophy is no new candidate for the world’s attention, but only the restatement of principles which have been recognised from the very infancy of mankind.”